The drooping eyes, heavy limbs, and caffeine-fueled mornings of last year may now be distant, uncomfortable memories.
A new school year brings not only cooler weather but new policies and procedures, and FCPS’ answers to the wishes of thousands of students and parents. The new school start time of 8:10 gives students nearly an hour of extra sleep, allowing them to stay snuggled up and abuse the snooze button a little less.
“I’d say students are arriving more awake and ready to participate,” said history teacher Joanne Pendry, who teaches classes first thing in the morning.
The logic behind the decision was that students would be better rested and thus, more productive and successful in class. The former 7:20 start time provoked many criticisms from both students and parents and eventually motivated FCPS to make a decision which had been a long time in the making.
“I’m definitely more awake by the time class starts,” said junior Anna DeCecco.
According to the FCPS Web site, “The new bell schedule will benefit more than 57,000 high school students representing more than 30 percent of Fairfax County Public Schools’ student population.”
Students, however, don’t get a free pass for sleep; with a later start time comes the inevitable later release time. Now, instead of heading home at 2:10, the bell rings at 2:55.
“I hate it. It’s the worst thing in the world. Late start time means we have to get out later, which is difficult for my work,” said senior Sophia Abebe.
As usual, no major decisions such as this come without opposition. Some argue that students will not take advantage of the extra hour and will still be tired in the morning. It can, however, can also be argued that the old start time of 7:20 didn’t provide enough of a chance for students who truly did want to get more sleep.
“I hope that students aren’t just staying up later,” said Pendry.
Because of the later release, students may have less time to fit in homework and sports after school. With the intense course load that a prominent system like FCPS expects, time is valuable.
“It makes it hard to go to sports, especially for kids who do crew,” said DeCecco.
Essentially it boils down to a tradeoff: more rest or more time to work. Usually, it seems as if FCPS is always trying to make things more rigorous for students, so it is worth recognizing that our school district has placed student health and happiness first.
While getting through first or second period can still be a drag, the extra time is a step toward improving the student experience. Over the course of the year, the effects of the late start will be more prominent, allowing FCPS to determine if it helps or hurts.
Until then, enjoy that extra hour.